Walk in cold weather on Presque Isle

Fall is here and the first light snow-fall is in the works. Your walking should not stop as the seasons turn colder. In fact cool weather walking is good for you, fun and wonderful for your health.

Eugene Ware

Don’t let a little cold and snowy weather keep you from walking on Presque Isle. The following are some tips to make these walks better, warmer, safer and more fun. We all know that walking is the simplest way to stay active because all you do is put one foot in front of the other. We also know walking improves circulation, works to prevent osteoporosis, mobility, and balance and can help you lose those extra pounds that caught up with you over the holidays.

What most people do not realize is that for most people, exercising outdoors may be safer in cooler weather than on hot, humid summer days. As you know, your body temperatures rise as you walk, so when it’s sultry outside in the spring, summer, and fall, you can and often do get a double dose of heat. This is not good and can and does at times cause serious problems for the summer runner or walker because they cannot easily regulate their body’s internal temperature.

On the other hand, as for late fall, winter and early spring approach and cooler temperatures arrive, you can easily control that internal temperature by simply partially opening your jacket, slowing your pace or taking off your hat and gloves for a while. These little things can cure the problem instantly.

The key to walking in the winter is learning how to dress for the cold and knowing some easy facts about the weather. Many people just hang up their walking shoes as soon as winter rolls on into Erie and Presque Isle. They choose the easy solution to the cold by making hot chocolate, getting cozy on the couch, lighting the fireplace, and turning on the TV or some soft music.

That seems very nice, warm and wonderful, yet not really good or healthy for you. Instead, why not just start to get ready to get moving outside!

Here are a few tips that might help you get moving outside and have fun, stay safe and keep warm when you DO walk in the winter.

1. Ease into it. You will need to start slowly and give your muscles a chance to warm a little.
2. Plan to bring some water. You do not only need water in the summer. Dry winter air can be dehydrating, plus you will sweat even in winter.
3. Always walk at a slow to moderate pace. Remember, winter trails and paths may be icy when and where you least expect it.
4. Walk carefully. The bigger and/or faster your strides, the higher your risk of falling. This is true year-round.
5. Play it safe. This is really true any time you walk. In low-visibility and/or bad road or trail conditions, walk where there is little or no traffic. Always wear reflective gear if you are on any roads subject to automobile traffic. That is one of the reasons I recommend walk on Presque Isle where the Multi-purpose trail is open 365 days a year and plowed from the beginning of park to Marina Road even in snowy conditions.
6. Avoid Cotton. Try clothes made of a material that will keep moisture away from your skin, so you will not get cold. Three that meet this requirement are: Nike- Dri-Fit Smartwool Apparel Under Armour Other less expensive brands are available, yet you should seek light-weight material that is silk or polyester. For my money, I would pay a bit more and get quality because it will, in the long run, be more serviceable.
7. Wear three layers if possible. It is always better to have too much on because you can peel it off or put it back on if and when you need to.
8. Protect your skin and eyes. It may be winter. However, the sun plus its reflection off the snow will give both your skin and eyes fits. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen on unprotected parts of your skin like your face. Sunburn from the snow is very painful, and you never realize you are getting it.
9. Wear gloves, a hat, and neck gaiter. Your head releases more heat than any other part of your body, so keeping it warm and covered is ultra important. Gloves are essential so that your hands and fingers are warm and toasty. Ski gloves are usually the best for the winters in this area. A neck gaiter is a muff designed to keep your neck warm, and they are now becoming all the rage for wintertime walkers and runners. The neck gaiter is very worthwhile and runs from about $10.00 clear up to $75.00 if you happen to be a fashion oriented person.
10. Try lightweight hiking boots and /or removable ice cleats for your shoe or boots. All of these give you better traction on slippery surfaces. Stay away from heavy boots because they will just not work well for walking.
11. Wear good socks and do not layer them. If you layer socks, you can almost count on getting a few really good looking blisters. Instead, wear thin socks designed to keep feet warm. Two good brands are Thorio Socks and Smartwool Socks. Smartwool also has some great shirts and pants that can be warm underlayer wear.
12. Take your cell phone. I feel that anyone walking on Presque Isle or anywhere else should always carry their cell phone for safety purposes because you never know when you might need to use it.
13. Consider a well-stocked fanny pack. It is a good idea to take some or all of the following items: tissues, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, your water, a small amount of cash and a small digital camera. Make sure you always care I.D. for safety reasons and not just in winter but all year long.
14. Before you walk be aware of the wind conditions. Wind conditions have a large effect on the chill factor you will encounter as you walk. The wind speed tends to make a temperature feel much colder than the thermometer reads. The following graph shows those differences:

Wind Temperature Drop

10 mph = 15 Degrees

15 mph = 20 Degrees

20 mph = 25 Degrees

30 moh = 35 Degrees

An important fact to remember when you walk on cooler days on Presque Isle when the wind is blowing over 10 mph, walking on the bay side of the park when there is a West or North wind will be better protected from the cold and the wind. When the wind is out of the East or South, the lakeside of the park is better protected than the bay side. Check this out before you start your walk. In a cold and blustery day, this can make a big difference in your comfort level.

Get out and start winter walking and you will find that it is great!

See you on the park!!

Sed Questions and Comments to ware906@gmail.com

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